Decision delayed in cause of Cardinal Newman

Cardinal John Henry Newman is seen in a portrait in a church in Rome. The cure of a Boston deacon could be the miracle needed for the beatification of Cardinal Newman, who was one of the great intellectual minds of the Catholic Church in the 19th century. CNS photo from Crosiers

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PEMBROKE -- The panel of theologians at the Rome’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, expected to vote Sept. 30 whether to recommend the congregation’s affirmation of the miraculous nature of a Pembroke deacon’s cure, have extended their proceedings.

The panel is considering the circumstances of Deacon John A. “Jack” Sullivan, assigned to St. Thecla Parish in Pembroke, whose debilitating back condition was healed after he prayed for the intercession of Cardinal John Henry Newman, said Peter Jennings, press secretary for the cause of the beatification and canonization of Cardinal Newman.

“The theologians, who received the relevant documentation eight weeks ago, have asked for more time to study the high profile cause for the beatification of Cardinal Newman,” Jennings said. A miracle must be confirmed for beatification. A second miracle is required for sainthood.

It is unusual for the theologians to comment on their proceedings, let alone their recommendations to the bishops of the congregation, Jennings said.

His release to the media of this information was with the permission of Andrea Ambrosi, the Roman Postulator of the Newman Cause. “Allowing this release is a recognition of the worldwide attention and interest in the cause for Cardinal Newman.”